Walmart provides scheduling visibility to associates

By Katherine Boccaccio

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Wednesday that it is implementing a pilot program that brings increased transparency to its workforce scheduling and allows associates to choose more hours for themselves.

Walmart said it is piloting the program in Denver and Fort Smith, Ark., to provide associates with transparent and consistent information on available shifts throughout the store and give them the opportunity to request to work any of those shifts.

The pilot, which delivers on a scheduling transparency commitment announced in January by U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon, will allow associates to pick up additional shifts to earn extra pay, as well as transition to full-time duty and learn about different areas of the store to boost career advancement.

As part of the program, Walmart is testing web technology that allows associates to use their computers or smartphones to view and request to work available shifts in their store.

The pilot program, which began Feb. 1, is scheduled to expand to more stores in July and roll out to the company’s more than 4,000 stores by the end of October.